PHOENIX Super LPG put an end to Rain or Shine’s unbeaten start to the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup with a come-from-behind 87-83 victory on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Jason Perkins and Tyler Tio came alive for the Fuelmasters in the fourth quarter, helping the team erase an 18-point deficit and put an end to the Elasto Painters’ franchise-best 7-0 start to the midseason conference.
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With their biggest win of the campaign. the Fuelmasters continued to put themselves in the conversation for a playoff spot as they stayed in sixth place with a 5-3 win-loss record after their second consecutive victory.
Rain or Shine scored its lowest points total of the conference and lapsed into turnovers and point-blank misses after taking a 51-33 lead at halftime.
Phoenix coach Charles Tiu said it was a combination of good defense and Rain or Shine's off-night that got them the win.
“We just challenged the team at the half. Parang na-Space Jam kami, biglang hindi kami marunong mag-shoot. We were 1-for-21 from three. I figured we are bound to hit one. Just told them to keep taking their shots if they are open,” said Tiu.
“I felt our defense was okay. One of the best defensive games we've had all season against the No. 1 offensive team in the league… Rain or Shine is a great team. We are happy. Baka pinagbigyan lang kami ni coach Yeng but sabi nga niya, law of average. Maybe we caught them at the right time,” said Tiu.
Perkins had seven of his 20 points in the final quarter, while Tiu had nine of his 16 points in that same period including a three that broke the tie at 67 for Phoenix's first taste of the lead.
James Dickey III had 17 points and 19 rebounds, and Evan Nelle tallied 12 points including nine in a 17-7 run to finish the third trailing by just three, 64-61.
Rain or Shine shot just 31 percent (29-of-94) from the field in the loss with Jaylen Johnson shooting only 5-of-25 from the field to score just 12 points.
The scores:
Phoenix Super LPG 87 – Perkins 20, Dickey 17, Tio 16, Nelle 12, Rivero 11, Delos Santos 4, Tuffin 3, Escandor 2, Santos 2, Daves 0, Ynot 0.
Rain or Shine 83 – Nocum 20, Johnson 12, Mamuyac 11, Clarito 9, Asistio 6, David 6, Tiongson 5, Roque 5, Villegas 3, Caracut 2, Malonzo 2, Santillan 2, Manaytay 0.
Quarters: 16-18; 29-44; 61-64; 87-83.
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